Supporters were treated to a midweek bonanza at Clandeboye Park, when the homecoming champions Bangor played out an engaging and entertaining draw with Limavady United. Even though the hosts’ status as third-flight kings is now all but a mathematical certainty, there remains a willingness to play on the front foot and achieve what unfulfilled remnants of pride remain – and such an outlook was reflected in a match that asked some new questions of the Seasiders.
Twice coming from behind to restore parity before an opportunity to win it outright at the death was agonisingly denied, the result ensures that the north Down pride stay unbeaten on their home patch with merely one more outing on their own artificial turf to contest. A well-contested and good-spirited affair, it was a fitting hero’s return for this excellent panel.
On a dry, overcast albeit chilly Tuesday night, manager Lee Feeney shuffled his pack on a night where intermediate football would be at the fore.
No fewer than seven adjustments were made to the starting batch of boys in yellow and blue from that crowning endeavour.
In defence, Ryan Arthur reprised his place with David Hume and John Boyle restored to the fold either side of him, while a switch in goal saw Marc Orbinson check in as usual number one James Taylor enjoyed a place on the bench.
Ahead of that solid spine, Aaron Harris replaced Dylan O’Kane alongside double-winning captain Lewis Harrison as a midfield double-act, plus Jamie Glover was deployed to the left in place of the stellar Reece Neale, who likewise joined O’Kane among the substitutes.
Tom Mathieson and Scott McArthur featured as attacking midfielders behind primary line-leader Adam Neale, while a late shift in the line-up saw Seanna Foster feature as usual at right wing-back where Gareth Beattie was first named.
There were seven changes to the Bangor team that hosted Limavady United, with Marc Orbinson, David Hume, John Boyle, Jamie Glover, Aaron Harris, Tom Mathieson and Scott McArthur coming into the side following the weekend victory over Queen’s University. Image from myself.
A well-earned rest for 30-goal supremo Ben Arthurs, who was presented with his PIL Player of the Year award by Chairman Graham Bailie shortly before kick-off, presented Feeney with the chance to select prodigious 16-year-old Sonny Redford among a seven-strong bench.
Also included among that selection was Ross Craig (25), who was primed for his first senior match action since kitting out in the Irish Cup fourth round versus Limavady at the tail end of November.
The Bangor bench, meanwhile, comprised 16-year-old striker Sonny Redford, who would have been in line for his senior debut if he came on as a substitute. It is his first matchday appearance in the Premier Intermediate League. Image from myself.
The Roesiders, on an evening where all 12 PIL teams were in action alongside an ultimately vibrant Intermediate Cup showpiece at Windsor Park – Crumlin Star just had the edge on St Oliver Plunkett in a five-goal thriller – deployed a full-strength team in their bid to consolidate fourth-place and end the term on a high.
Paul Owens’ troops were in control of their own destiny; just a single point was needed to cement their current position.
Referee Jason Gillespie led the teams out, with the Lims providing a guard of honour, and it was the visitors to set the ball rolling at 7:46pm.
They started well – and probably should have led within five minutes. Dean Brown found himself one-on-one with Orbinson after a threaded ball behind set him at the 28-year-old goalkeeper, but he placed past the post as he aimed for his eighth strike of the league season.
On nine minutes, Bangor registered their first shot on goal when McArthur astutely lifted the ball over an onrushing defender and struck with a strong connection, but shot-stopper Richard Purcell was alert to the situation and parried clear.
Following a half-volley by Mathieson that was routinely clutched by Purcell on 20 minutes, the Seasiders were within a whisker of breaking the deadlock.
Player spotlight:
There was a change in system as well as a vast array of personnel adjustments; with a 3-4-2-1 shape featuring two attacking midfielders being preferred for Tuesday evening’s fixture against Limavady United. Tom Mathieson was one, Scott McArthur was the other, and both turned in lively displays with Mathieson’s clever movement and ability to pick out open spaces standing out. Image from Sarah Harkness.
Harris’ floated corner found the towering Arthur, who crashed a header back off the bar, before Harrison’s low drive sparked a pinball sequence in the area that resulted in it falling back to former Ballyclare Comrades man Arthur once more.
The centre back, who notched up his fifth goal of the campaign at The Dub last time, this time found a brave Limavady defender on the line in his wake before the ball was decisively hurried away following a frantic sequence of events.
The end-to-end nature of the contest naturally saw the ball fall back the other way, when Pomeroy was a whisker over after ambitiously trying to catch Orbinson off his line.
That was with 35 minutes gone – while just a few minutes later, it was Neale who saw one come and go when he beat his marker but nodded well over the bar from Harris’ enticing left-sided free kick.
With opportunities at both ends, it felt like one had to budge before the half was out. And that is just what the Lims did.
Moments earlier, Pomeroy had dragged wide of Orbinson’s goal, but play was recirculated into the 18-yard area and found unmarked skipper Hugh Carlin by the edge of the box. He struck with venom, a first-time rocket that soared beyond a rooted ‘keeper and into the left corner to hand the visitors the advantage with one minute of the first period left to go.
It was a drilled attempt that was a moment of quality and a pure ‘put your boot through it’ drive, meaning the north-west travellers had a vantage point to defend come the interval.
Gillespie saw no need to add time on to the end of the stanza when he blew up.
Remarkably, it is the first time the Yellows have trailed at the half in a league fixture all season – and first in the PIL for over a year.
Even if Championship promotion is all but a formality now, the will to win within the camp is still insatiable. Limavady – who had their goal-getters-in-chief Pomeroy (16), Brown (seven) and Ryan Doherty (nine) all in from the start, plus highly-rated prospects Aaron McLaughlin, Lewis Tosh, Boorman siblings Tiarnan and Ruairi and their impressive January arrival in nets Purcell – put their quality on display in the previous meeting, and this turn-out did not go against the trend Owens has cultivated.
Feeney, the ever-demanding personality that he is, would have posed a fresh question of his charges in the changing room. How could the team react when they are called on to chase?
The Kilkeel chief was about to find out.
There was no bedding-in period at the start of the second. Straight into the mire once more.
McArthur found a Purcell-sized wall in his way twice in as many minutes. First, with only 30 seconds of the half clocked, he skimmed by an opposition defender before the shot-stopper batted his low drive away, before it was the former Comrades ‘keeper’s palms that denied the Stirling University returnee on 48 when he let fly from a tight angle.
Jack Mullan was on hand to bail out the Lims back-four on 49 minutes, decisively having the beating of Neale in the air after Foster’s tantalising delivery, while a dipping half-volley from Glover landed just past the upright three minutes later.
The visitors’ first opportunity of a high-tempo and chance-laden opening to the half fell to 24-year-old Brown, who skipped by a couple of dangling legs before firing across the face of goal and narrowly beyond the far left post.
Shortly before the hour, a double substitution saw Reece Neale and Michael Halliday emerge from the bench.
And shortly after the hour, the younger Neale brother was influential in Bangor’s equalising dagger.
It was the Ballynahinch ace’s long throw that sparked the opportunity in the area on 63 minutes. He found the head of Arthur, who flicked the ball on astutely into Harrison’s path.
If Limavady’s skipper could convert, then so could his counterpart in yellow and blue. And, with two goals and an assist in his six preceding matches, there was no doubt the 23-year-old captain fantastic had the thirst for it – he controlled the knock-down sensibly and slid past Purcell from six yards out.
Ryan Arthur flicked his header from Reece Neale’s throw right into the path of Lewis Harrison, with the Bangor captain squaring the game back up after Limavady United had taken the lead. Video from Sarah Harkness.
Thanks to the former Linfield Swifts maestro’s threaded finish, the match had been evened back up. There were more goals to come in this enthralling fixture, and Harrison’s former Blues second-string team-mate Reece Neale placed just wide on 68 minutes after a quick one-two with Halliday.
Another goal did arrive less than 60 seconds on – albeit at the wrong net from the perspective of the majority.
The scorer was no surprise, mind. Former Coleraine youngster Brown had appeared the sharpest point of Limavady’s trident, and he poked a needle through a crowd to deliver his blue-shirted band their second lead of the night. On a 150-mile-round Tuesday night trip from one part of the country to another, such desire not to leave this escapade empty-handed would have been understandably palpable.
But three points are not easy to prise from the Clandeboye Road, and it took just a couple minutes more for Bangor to prove that point.
A fast-paced move straight back towards Hawthorne Court involved both Neale siblings at its core. Supplied by an incisive crossfield pass from right to left, Reece took in his stride and launched a piledriver that stung the palms of a parrying Purcell; when the subsequent threat was not allayed, step up Adam to do what he does best – ram it from close range to score.
Adam Neale blasted home from close range to score the second equaliser of the night for Bangor. Video from Sarah Harkness.
Shedding a light on an internal battle within the club, the former Rathfriland favourite had pegged even with Arthurs at the PIL goalscoring summit.
Both sit square on 19 at the top with two games left for either marksman to edge ahead.
Who said winning a title meant resting on laurels?
The attacking intent continued. On 76 minutes, it was almost a carbon copy of the first strike but for the ball being just out of Harrison’s reach; Reece Neale this time hurling it in from the right flank, Arthur with that same flick-on connection but midfielder Harrison – three-and-a-half years a Seasider in the summer – not quite latching with his eyes set on the brace.
And with 10 minutes remaining, Foster’s cross then found Halliday in the centre, albeit Purcell pushed out as the goal-getting veteran swept his side-footed take goal-bound.
There was some distinct high drama at the tail end. The energetic Redford had his say on the matter, fighting hard and well to win possession back before bringing in the onrushing Reece Neale. The left wing-back flew by but was upended at the edge of the 18-yard area, Gillespie needing no second thought before pointing to the spot.
Player spotlight:
There was a senior debutant on Tuesday night, and on the evidence of how he acquitted himself coming into the situation against Limavady United, Sonny Redford‘s name is not one you can expect to hear the last of. As a 16-year-old entering the fray in the kind of open-ended match where his best qualities are often seen, he held the ball up and linked others into play, playing a crucial role in winning a last-minute penalty too. Image from Sarah Harkness.
Up stepped 43-year-old Halliday to try to leave his mark with the very last kick, but it was not quite to be the fairytale ending. A tame strike by the evergreen front-man was claimed low by Purcell, who dived the correct way and collected firmly to preserve a point.
The man in the middle sounded his full time whistle immediately after.
Disappointing not to win it in that sequence of play? For sure.
Did a scoring draw feel like an accurate reflection of the game? You would say so.
The result does, indeed, see Owens’ Limavady all but confirm fourth-place with two matches remaining. For Bangor, they stay unbeaten at home and rise up a point to 66 at the summit.
It comes ahead of the last home match of the season for the brothers-in-arms by the seaside, where a trophy lift will be the highlight of the afternoon.
And with Ballymacash Rangers visiting Clandeboye Park still to confirm their play-off place – while Zach Barr’s second-half finish eked out a third straight 1-0 post-split success, Queen’s University blasted five past Moyola on their trip to Fortwilliam Park – there will still be a competitive edge in the air come the earlier-than-usual 1pm kick-off.
| Premier Intermediate | 25/4/23 (Post-split 3/Section A) | ||
| Ballymacash Rangers | 1 | 0 | Tobermore United |
| Bangor | 2 | 2 | Limavady United |
| Moyola Park | 1 | 5 | Queen’s University |
Lee Forsythe takes a fired-up and in-form ‘Cash squadron to north Down five points ahead of the third-placed Students.
Factoring in a vastly superior goal difference, only one more point would all but confirm the Lisburn club as the play-off’s PIL representative.
But a home victory in north Down would take it to the very last day – the troopers from The Bluebell travel to The Dub to tackle Queen’s then – should their promotion rivals from south Belfast claim the maximum reward against the Roesiders.
| Premier Intermediate | 25/4/23 (Post-split 3/Section B) | ||
| Armagh City | 1 | 1 | Portstewart |
| Dollingstown | 0 | 3 | PSNI |
| Lisburn Distillery | 2 | 1 | Banbridge Town |
If Tuesday night is any evidence to go by, though, the academical institution should not be expecting a procession. Take it from Feeney.
“I thought it was an entertaining game,” he began. “It was two really good goals that they scored – two goals that we would maybe be a little bit disappointed to concede, but no taking away from two quality finishes.
“I thought they matched us in every area of the pitch tonight, they were at it in every department; they’re an impressive side and they challenged us, they play good football and from our point of view, that was where it asked questions of the character of our players to react.
“We don’t go behind in games often… so seeing the players react after conceding the first goal, I was really pleased by how they responded”
Bangor manager Lee Feeney praised his players’ attitude and reaction after Limavady had taken the lead on Tuesday
“We don’t go behind in games often, I can’t even really remember the last time we were in that sort of position so seeing the players react after conceding the first goal, I was really pleased by how they responded going into the second half. They showed really good character.
The quotes section:
“It was two really good goals that they scored – two goals that we would maybe be a little bit disappointed to concede, but no taking away from two quality finishes. I thought they matched us in every area of the pitch tonight, they were at it in every department; they’re an impressive side and they challenged us, they play good football and from our point of view, that was where it asked questions of the character of our players to react” – Bangor boss Lee Feeney reserved high praise for Limavady United and how they posed the question to his players on their ability to react.
“We’re disappointed we’ve not won it. We’ve a few players there hurting a bit and feeling like it’s a loss even though the league’s now wrapped up, but, you know, that speaks to the mentality of the group as well and that desire to win. We’d have liked to win, of course, but I’ll take it, it’s okay.
“We’ve a big, big, big game now on Saturday (against Ballymacash), we’ll work towards that and hopefully make it a memorable day for the supporters”
Bangor manager emphasised the importance of the game at home to Ballymacash Rangers on Saturday, where his team will lift the PIL trophy
“I was pleased we were able to rest a few players too (seven changes from the Saturday) and give a few players a chance to impress.
“I had felt over the last few weeks that some players in the squad had been playing a bit too much football, so I’ve had to use the full squad, and those that have came in are delivering for me. We’ve a big, big, big game now on Saturday (against Ballymacash), we’ll work towards that and hopefully make it a memorable day for the supporters.”
The goal-cam perspective from Bangor’s draw with Limavady United on Tuesday night, where Lewis Harrison and Adam Neale were on target. Video from Darran Gilpin/Bangor FC Social Media.
Attacking midfielder Ross Craig was able to see some action out on the pitch.
A player who was previously a member of the Seasiders as a young gun in the Ballymena League prior to trialling and ultimately re-signing back in July, he is someone who can hark back to his experiences during darker days.
“I’m feeling good going out there, the pressure’s off now and yeah… league’s won!”
Bangor attacking midfielder Ross Craig was pleased that the Seasiders could finally seal the deal and secure the title
On Tuesday, however, you would have found it very hard to wipe the smile from his face.
“Yeah, glad to get the opportunity tonight and get a few minutes under my belt,” he beamed. “Felt I worked hard when I got on the pitch and was able to make things happen.
The quotes section:
“Yeah, glad to get the opportunity tonight and get a few minutes under my belt. (I) Felt I worked hard when I got on the pitch and was able to make things happen. I’d a chance there towards the end, wasn’t quite able to get the right connection there but I’ve been going into training with a positive mindset, going in to put the work in and then when I get the chance like tonight, I feel fresh and ready to go out and give it my best shot” – Ross Craig got a run-out on Tuesday night and was pleased to make good on the chance offered to him.
“I’d a chance there towards the end, wasn’t quite able to get the right connection there but I’ve been going into training with a positive mindset, going in to put the work in and then when I get the chance like tonight, I feel fresh and ready to go out and give it my best shot.
“I’m feeling good going out there, the pressure’s off and yeah… league’s won!”
Meanwhile, Bangor FC Ladies kicked off their new NIWFA Championship season against Lisburn Rangers on Wednesday night.
It was not quite to be the dream beginning for boss Ethan Boylan, as the Stanley Park outfit struck three goals in each half to run out 0-6 victors in north Down.
The visiting side showed their quality and class as they surged into a three-goal advantage within the first half an hour, although the hosts’ resistance on home turf stayed unbreached thereafter until 17 minutes before the end; a string of alert stops by goalkeeper Giulia McLaughlin plus a couple of close shaves up the other direction keeping the Seasiders within range.
Player spotlight:
An astute and commanding presence in the 18-yard box, Giulia McLaughlin was called into making a variety of important saves that helped Bangor FC Ladies weather the storm Lisburn Rangers often set about conjuring up. She was authoritative when required and was in the right places with her positional sense. Image from Jordan Connolly/Life Through A Lens NI.
Strikes on 87 minutes and in additional time completed the scoring, and meant Rangers – last season’s Division One champions – kicked off their campaign in the front-footed way they would have liked.
Speaking afterwards, Boylan had plenty of positives to take out of a clash where the Yellows could count themselves unlucky at points.
“Yeah, it was a new experience for me, a bit of learning about tonight and about my squad,” he began.
“I think you can clearly see the development that the team has made, we’re still in a developmental stage but there’s been a colossal improvement since the start of pre-season.
The quotes section:
“I think you can clearly see the development that the team has made, we’re still in a developmental stage but there’s been a colossal improvement since the start of pre-season. I was pleased with a lot of things about the way we played tonight and the approach with which we went into tonight’s game” – Bangor FC Ladies manager Ethan Boylan was impressed by various elements of the game against Lisburn Rangers despite a defeat.
“I was pleased with a lot of things about the way we played tonight and the approach with which we went into tonight’s game.
“We showed fight (for the ball), we showed discipline and that we have the ability to compete and go toe-to-toe in key areas of the pitch.
“We showed fight (for the ball), we showed discipline and that we have the ability to compete and go toe-to-toe in key areas of the pitch”
Bangor FC Ladies manager Ethan Boylan was pleased with various aspects of the performance against Lisburn Rangers
“We’re disappointed to lose the game obviously; we had a good chance early on to make it 1-0, we hit the bar later on as well, but overall there was a lot of spirit about the team.”
On Lisburn Rangers, Ethan continued: “Listen, they’re a quality side, no doubt about that, they’ve a squad that’s worked together for a few years – ours have been for 12 weeks – but I was pleased to see that we’re heading in the right direction and that the players are gelling.
“With the results last year (against this team), they were heavy defeats, we’ve lost tonight but we’ve kept the score down a bit and we had character, I think that’s important going forward from a mentality point of view.”
And, following Saturday night’s victory over Queen’s University that wrapped up the title, NIFL caught up with Bangor’s star striker Ben Arthurs following his successful clinching of the Premier Intermediate League Player of the Season accolade at Belfast City Hall.
Ben Arthurs gives his thoughts after taking home the Premier Intermediate League Player of the Season accolade. Video from NI Football League Social Media
The 24-year-old, who was later presented with the award in front of supporters prior to Tuesday night’s fixture against Limavady United, was delighted to take the individual honour following a goalscoring display that helped the Seasiders fulfil what they had first set out to achieve.
“To be honest, (it was) not really something I’d thought about at the start of the year (winning the award),” the 30-goal Arthurs explained.
“Honestly, I wanted to win the Steel and Sons and win promotion for Bangor and we went and done that, and now I’ve been rewarded with this (award) and it’s an honour to get an award and come to an event like this so, yeah, great to be honest.”
The quotes section:
“Honestly, I wanted to win the Steel and Sons and win promotion for Bangor and we went and done that, and now I’ve been rewarded with this (award) and it’s an honour to get an award and come to an event like this so, yeah, great to be honest” – Bangor striker Ben Arthurs talks in proud terms about fulfilling team objectives across the 2022/23 campaign. Image from NI Football League.
The Kircubbin favourite also paid tribute to partner-in-crime Adam Neale, the deadlock-breaking scorer on that glorious Saturday, and whose addition to the panel in the autumn has helped propel the club to new heights.
“If you ask anyone, it feels like we’re going to score goals,” he added. “I think we’ve something like 50-odd goals between us and if you’re scoring that many goals, you’re going to be winning games.
“(We’ve been) Defensively brilliant, the midfield maybe doesn’t get much credit but it’s been amazing too so, all-round, altogether we’ve had a great year.
“Since I’ve joined Bangor, that’s my second league title win, but we’re hungry, the club is hungry to get up to the Premiership so that’s the aim.
“Now, obviously we’re looking forward to getting into the Championship and playing against better opposition, strengthening our team and that’s really it.”
The quotes section:
“The fanbase has grown, I think it’s always been there, just… it was a real setback what happened (at) Bangor five years ago now or so, so you see that now on big nights, during the week and midweek matches, big games, even today (Saturday) there was so many fans at the Queen’s game, you just see everyone and there’s that feeling about the club. Everyone’s starting to love it and there’s a lot of people who deserve it at the club, that turn up every week even back when we were in the Ballymena League or (when) times were tough, so it is great” – Bangor striker Ben Arthurs hails the impact of the supporters and the growing number that have been attending games. Image from Jordan Connolly/Life Through A Lens NI.
Arthurs went on to hail the influence of the supporters throughout Bangor’s successful push throughout this term.
He enthused: “The fanbase has grown, I think it’s always been there, just… it was a real setback what happened (at) Bangor five years ago now or so, so you see that now on big nights, during the week and midweek matches, big games, even today (Saturday) there was so many fans at the Queen’s game, you just see everyone and there’s that feeling about the club.
“Everyone’s starting to love it and there’s a lot of people who deserve it at the club, that turn up every week even back when we were in the Ballymena League or (when) times were tough, so it is great.
“It’s a big club, everyone talks about a sleeping giant, this and that, and it is true – when you’re about the club, you do get that feeling, there are high expectations and I feel we can kick on with them.”
Featured image from Sarah Harkness.
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